“Tommy is going to drive for us over there because Larry has some commitments here in the United States,” Beard told the US-based drag racing website. “We feel Tommy is the best available US driver and he is not committed to race anything at Atlanta (being run on the same weekend as the Nitro Champs) so it worked out good for us.”

From Johnson Jr, a simple tweet gave the first indication he would be coming to Australia, saying “Fire up the barbie mates I’ll see you soon”.

Since making his Top Fuel debut in 1989, Johnson Jr has gone on to win nine NHRA events across both Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car.

Johnson Jr will be one of three US drivers competing at the Nitro Champs, adding to Mike Janis in Top Doorslammer and Brandon Huhtala in Pro Stock.

We will bring you more news from the Rapisarda Autosport International camp in the lead up to the Nitro Champs, May 3-5 at Sydney Dragway.